2018 NFL draft: Grading every pick from Day 2

2018 NFL draft: Grading every pick from Day 2

We’re now 100 picks into the 2018 NFL draft, and while it’s obviously way too early to start doling out grades for rookies who haven’t touched the field at the pro level, we’re going to do it anyway.

Check out our instant grades and analysis for every Day 2 selection:

SECOND ROUND

33. Cleveland Browns | Austin Corbett | OL | Nevada | B-

One of the hotter names in recent weeks, Corbett was talked about as a potential guard prospect despite spending his college career at tackle, but this pick makes me think the Browns will keep him there to replace Joe Thomas. He’s a solid player, but this grade is held down by the fact that they could have had so many other top prospects. This isn’t a bad pick, but it could have been a better one.

34. New York Giants | Will Hernandez | G | UTEP | A

The Giants missed out on Andrew Norwell in free agency, but they make up for it by stealing a first-round talent here in Hernandez. And old-school mauler who loves to punish his opponents, Hernandez was dominant for the Miners, and looked like the same guy against stellar competition at the Senior Bowl. Eli Manning and Saquon Barkley should be thrilled about this one.

35. Cleveland Browns (from HOU) | Nick Chubb | RB | Georgia | A

It’s not the biggest need for the Browns, but Chubb is one of the most impressive backs in this year’s class. A powerful, explosive runner, Chubb bounced back from a gruesome knee injury to post two productive seasons for the Bulldogs. I would have taken LSU’s Derrius Guice here if I were the Browns and targeting a running back, but it’s hard to argue with Chubb.

Arguably the biggest reach of the draft so far, the Colts spend their first of three second-rounders on a raw but talented small-schooler who many had pegged for the middle rounds. It’s definitely a position of need here, and Leonard has the athleticism and upside GM Chris Ballard obviously covets on his defense, but it still feels like this pick was made a few rounds too early.

37. Indianapolis Colts (from NYJ) | Braden Smith | G | UTEP | C-

Smith is a solid blocker, but there were better options available at his position. Furthermore, the Colts spent the No. 6 overall pick on Quenton Nelson, and had a long list of other needs they could have addressed here. I understand the importance of protecting Andrew Luck, but eventually, the defense will have to be on the field, too.

38. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Ronald Jones II | RB | USC | B

After continuing their offseason overhaul of the defensive line in the first round, it was time for the Bucs to address a big need on offense. With Doug Martin gone, Tampa Bay needed an explosive, every-down back, and that’s just what they got here. Jones was held back by a hamstring injury in predraft workouts, but when healthy, he’s a big-play machine. The only thing holding this grade down? Taking him over LSU’s Derrius Guice.

39. Chicago Bears | James Daniels | OL | Iowa | A

This offseason is all about making life as easy as possible for Mitchell Trubisky, and this pick will be a huge step in that direction. A versatile, intelligent blocker who can play anywhere along the interior, Daniels was the anchor for one of the nation’s top offensive line units. He could have easily come off the board in the first round, and he’s polished enough to be an immediate starter.

40. Denver Broncos | Courtland Sutton | WR | SMU | A

There may have been bigger needs elsewhere, but the value here is enough to warrant a high grade. Sutton could make a strong case as the best overall pass-catcher in this year’s draft, thanks to his combination of size, length and athleticism. He’s a red-zone nightmare with a similar skill set to Demaryius Thomas, who could be a cap casualty soon. Sutton is just dripping with upside, and he could have easily come off the board in the first round.

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